An ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme is allowing London GPs to contact hospital specialists directly for their expertise on patient cases, meaning patients are getting the right help, sooner.
Under this scheme, GPs across the capital can contact hospital specialists electronically for clinical advice about patients, speeding up possible referrals and avoiding unnecessary additions to hospital waiting lists.
As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, this approach means patients can get seen quicker, waiting lists are cut, and doctors benefit from additional time to deliver more efficient care.
In April 2025, London processed over 39,000 specialist advice requests, of which over 17,000 resulted in diversions away from the elective waiting list. This is an 8% increase on the number of processed requests seen in April 2024 and a 5% increase on the number of diversions.
Dr. Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme is just one example of how we are shifting care from hospital to community, as part of our 10 Year Health Plan. GPs can contact hospital specialists directly, patients can receive more efficient and personalised care sooner and closer to home.
“Meanwhile, unnecessary additions to hospital waiting lists can be reduced, easing pressure on clinicians across the capital and giving them the capacity to deliver more efficient services.”
In South West London, Nelson Medical Practice is using the scheme to get timely, expert advice and better manage complex conditions in the community.
Dr. Matt Davis, GP at Nelson Medical Practice, said: “When a patient’s blood tests confirmed a very overactive thyroid, Advice and Guidance provided rapid access to an expert opinion, allowing me to start a tailored treatment programme. This prevented the patient from having to wait for a hospital appointment to get a treatment plan. As a result, their symptoms improved more quickly.”
Meanwhile, in Bromley, the Advice and Guidance scheme has helped to improve paediatric care for patients and families.
Dr Bhumika Mittal, GP at Wickham Park Surgery in Bromley, said: “The Advice and Guidance initiative scheme for paediatric patients has improved patient care significantly by enabling faster access to consultant expertise, reducing unnecessary referrals, supporting GPs, and enhancing the overall patient and family experience. It also helps build a more efficient, responsive, and integrated healthcare system.”
The Advice and Guidance scheme has been backed by £80 million, with GP surgeries benefiting from £20 for each referral made under the system.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Through our Plan for Change, we’re taking a common-sense approach that’s tapping into existing expertise in the system, making use of wider services, and getting patients the right care faster.
“Over 100,000 people have avoided unnecessary hospital queues because GPs are bypassing waiting lists and going direct to specialists for expert advice. It means quicker care for patients closer to home, less pressure on hospitals and more time for doctors to focus on those who need them most.
“It’s a win-win to deliver care closer to home, and create a more efficient, joined-up NHS that’s improving patient outcomes.”
The Advice and Guidance programme forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, which sets out how mission-led government will get patients seen quicker and make the NHS fit for the future.
